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Motte ups the intensity of his throwing sessions

4/9/13: Cardinals GM John Mozeliak updates Jason Motte's injury status, explaining that he faces surgery if he does not improve by May

By Jenifer Langosch
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MLB.com |

ST. LOUIS -- Jason Motte increased the intensity of his throwing on Tuesday, four days after he resumed playing catch to test the durability of his right elbow.

Motte estimated that he made 25 throws from about 60 feet before throwing 10 more times at a 90-foot distance. He said the elbow responded well to the session.

Motte was diagnosed with a ligament tear in the elbow earlier in April, at which time general manager John Mozeliak said the organization would make a decision around May 1 whether season-ending Tommy John surgery is needed. Motte's ability to resume throwing from flat ground during this homestand has subsequently delayed that decision.

"I'm in no way worried about anything," Motte said after Tuesday's session. "I don't know if that's a good or bad way to be, but I'm in no way worried about it. I'm perfectly at peace with whatever happens. If I end up having surgery tomorrow, then I have surgery tomorrow. If I don't have to have it at all, that would be great. It's going to happen just the way it's supposed to happen. I'm doing what I can do to get the arm in shape, doing my rehab stuff, doing my throwing stuff with the intensity that we've talked about doing it in."

In addition to throwing with more exertion, Motte is throwing without the constant concern that the next throw could push his elbow back to a bad place.

"I think today we were at the point where you have to have faith in it," he said. "It's either going to feel great or it's not. The way today went, the way the past couple of weeks went, we have a positive attitude."